Good news

Azerbaijan journalist pardoned after almost three years in prison - 16 April 2009

Sakit Zahidov was considered a prisoner of conscience. It is thought that he was imprisoned to silence his critical reporting of the authorities.

Bahrain King orders release of political prisoners - 14 April 2009

The authorities in Bahrain released all 178 political prisoners on Sunday after they were pardoned by the King of Bahrain.

Taiwan signs up for human rights - 9 April 2009

Taiwan’s legislature has ratified two of the most important international conventions for the development of human rights.

UN provides welcome support to Bangladesh war crimes investigations - 7 April 2009

The government of Bangladesh has sought and received UN assistance in its efforts to investigate and prosecute crimes against humanity and other serious violations o

Gambia releases opposition leader - 23 March 2009

Halifa Sallah is believed to have been arrested for articles he wrote criticising the use of witch doctors by the Gambian government.

New Mexico abolishes the death penalty - 19 March 2009

The Governor of New Mexico signed into law a bill, abolishing the death penalty in his state, on Wednesday evening.

Charges dropped against four Indigenous activists, one remains imprisoned - 18 March 2009

Authorities in Mexico have dropped the charges against four Indigenous human rights defenders who have been imprisoned for nearly a year.

Charges dropped against Azerbaijani activist - 5 March 2009

The Azerbaijani authorities have dropped a defamation suit against a prominent human rights defender.

Kurdish women's rights activist released in Iran - 27 February 2009

Kurdish student Hana Abdi was released from prison on Thursday after spending nearly 16 months in detention.

Political prisoners set free in Myanmar - 24 February 2009

Twenty-four political prisoners have been set free in Myanmar after the government announced that it would release 6,313 prisoners.